FAR 12.303—Contract format.
Plain-English Summary
FAR 12.303 explains the preferred contract and solicitation format for acquisitions of commercial products and commercial services under FAR part 12. It tells contracting officers how to assemble the solicitation/contract package using Standard Form 1449 and which blocks on that form may be continued or completed for items such as incentive subcontracting percentages, remittance address, line item numbers, schedule of supplies or services, and accounting data. It also identifies the commercial-item clause set that should be incorporated, including FAR 52.212-4, any addendum to that clause, and FAR 52.212-5, as well as the solicitation provisions typically used, including FAR 52.212-1, any addendum to that provision, FAR 52.212-2 if evaluation factors are being used, and FAR 52.212-3. The section also recognizes that contract documents, exhibits, and attachments may be part of the package. In practice, this rule is about keeping commercial acquisitions streamlined, standardized, and easy for vendors to understand, while still allowing the government to include the specific information needed to administer the buy and evaluate offers properly.
Key Rules
Use SF 1449 format
Solicitations and contracts for commercial products and commercial services prepared under FAR part 12 should be assembled, to the maximum extent practicable, using Standard Form 1449. This is the baseline format for the commercial acquisition package.
Complete needed SF 1449 blocks
Certain SF 1449 blocks may be continued or filled in as needed, including Block 10 for incentive subcontracting percentages, Block 18B for remittance address, Block 19 for line item numbers, Block 20 for the schedule of supplies or services, and Block 25 for accounting data. The contracting officer must indicate the applicable percentage when an incentive subcontracting clause is used.
Include required commercial clauses
The contract must include FAR 52.212-4 by reference, any addendum to that clause, and FAR 52.212-5. These clauses provide the core terms and the statutes or executive orders that apply to commercial acquisitions.
Attach supporting documents as needed
Any contract documents, exhibits, or attachments may be included in the package. These materials are used to provide specifications, pricing details, delivery requirements, or other information that does not fit cleanly in the SF 1449 blocks.
Use standard solicitation provisions
The solicitation should include FAR 52.212-1 by reference, any addendum to that provision, FAR 52.212-2 if evaluation factors or award criteria are being used, and FAR 52.212-3 for offeror representations and certifications. These provisions structure how vendors respond and how offers are evaluated.
Add evaluation terms when used
If the contracting officer uses FAR 52.212-2 or another description of evaluation factors for award, those factors must be stated clearly. This ensures offerors know how the government will compare proposals and make the award decision.
Responsibilities
Contracting Officer
Assemble the solicitation and contract using SF 1449 to the maximum extent practicable, complete the applicable blocks, incorporate the required clauses and provisions by reference or addendum, include any necessary exhibits or attachments, and state evaluation factors when used.
Agency/Acquisition Team
Provide the acquisition content needed for the package, such as line item structure, accounting data, delivery or performance requirements, evaluation criteria, and any special terms that must be reflected in attachments or addenda.
Offeror/Contractor
Review the SF 1449, incorporated clauses, addenda, attachments, and evaluation provisions to understand the government’s requirements, submit a responsive offer, and provide the required representations and certifications.
Practical Implications
This section is mainly about standardization: using SF 1449 and the commercial-item clause set makes commercial buys faster and easier to process than noncommercial contracts.
A common pitfall is forgetting to complete or tailor the SF 1449 blocks that matter, especially line items, accounting data, remittance address, or the incentive subcontracting percentage when applicable.
Another frequent issue is failing to include an addendum when the agency needs to modify 52.212-1 or 52.212-4; if the addendum is missing, the solicitation or contract may be incomplete or unclear.
If evaluation factors are used, they must be stated clearly and consistently with 52.212-2 or another written description; vague or unstated criteria can create protest risk and confusion for offerors.
Contractors should read the entire package, not just the SF 1449, because attachments, exhibits, and incorporated clauses often contain the real operational requirements and legal obligations.
Official Regulatory Text
Solicitations and contracts for the acquisition of commercial products or commercial services prepared using this part 12 shall be assembled, to the maximum extent practicable, using the following format: (a) Standard Form (SF) 1449 ; (b) Continuation of any block from SF 1449 , such as- (1) Block 10 if an incentive subcontracting clause is used (the contracting officer shall indicate the applicable percentage); (2) Block18 B for remittance address; (3) Block19 for line item numbers; (4) Block20 for schedule of supplies/services; or (5) Block25 for accounting data; (c) Contract clauses- (1) 52.212-4 , Contract Terms and Conditions-Commercial Products and Commercial Services, by reference (see SF 1449 block27 a); (2) Any addendum to 52.212-4 ; and (3) 52.212-5 , Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders-Commercial Products and Commercial Services. (d) Any contract documents, exhibits or attachments; and (e) Solicitation provisions- (1) 52.212-1 , Instructions to Offerors-Commercial Products and Commercial Services, by reference (see SF 1449 , Block27 a); (2) Any addendum to 52.212-1 ; (3) 52.212-2 , Evaluation-Commercial Products and Commercial Services, or other description of evaluation factors for award, if used; and (4) 52.212-3 , Offeror Representations and Certifications-Commercial Products and Commercial Services.